Perennials (cont.) Mirabilus jalapa—Four O’Clock Oenothera caespitosa—Tued Evening Primrose Psilostrophe bakerii—Paperflower Sphaeralcea coccinea—Scarlet Brackish Water Study Globemallow Stanely pinnata—Prince’s Plume Yucca elata — Soaptree Yucca Yucca glauca—Small Soapweed

Vines Lonicera japonica—Japanese Hall’s This study observed ornamental plants irrigated with Honeysuckle untreated Virgin River water that can have a total Lonicera tataricum ‘Zabelii’ ‐ Zabel’s dissolved solids (TDS) count on the average 0 to 2,000 Honeysuckle Parthenocissus quinquefolia—Virginia ppm. Creeper Water from the Virgin River was applied to a variety of shrubs, trees, grasses and vegetables using various Fruit, Nut and Vegetable irrigaon methods. Observaons indicate that the Allium cepa—Onion suggesons in this brochure should be followed when Apium graveolens—Celery Beta vulgarus—Beets using untreated Virgin River water on landscape. Beta vulgarus var. cicla—Swiss Chard This study is being performed by Dr. Frank Williams. Brassica napobrassica—Rutabaga Brassica oleracea—Broccoli Brassica oleracea Acephala—Kale Capsicum spp—Bell Pepper Cucumis Savus—Cucumber Daucus carota subsp savus—Carrot Ficus carica—Fig Juglans regia—English Walnut Pistacia vera—Pistacio Rhem rhabarbarum—Rhubarb Prunus dulcis—Almond Punica sp—Pomegranate Solanum tuberosum—Potato Washington County Water Conservancy District Solanum lycopersicon—Tomato 533 E. Waterworks Drive Spinacia oleracea—Spinach St. George, UT 84770 Zea mays—Corn Phone: 435‐673‐3617

Webpage: hp://www.wcwcd.org

Follow us on TWITTER at WATERDIST Suggested plant material Ligustrum japonicium—Japanese Privet Trees Mahonia Fremoni—Fremont’s Water quality concerns have not been taken into considering Albizia julibrissin—Silktree Mimosa Barberry because good quality water supplies have been plentiful and Cupressus arizonica—Arizona Cyprus Mahonia aquifolium—Oregon Grape readily available. This situation is now changing in many areas Elaeagnus commutata—Silverberry Nerium oleander—Oleander including the St. George area. Proper water management Fraxinus veluna—Modesto Ash Phonia xfraseri—Fraser Phonia involves reserving our high quality water supply for indoor use Gymnocladus dioica—Kentucky Coffee Piosporum tobira—Mock Orange and developing the lower quality water for outdoor use. With Jacaranda mimosifolia—Jacaranda Platycladus orientalis—Chinese the low quality water, new irrigation methods need to be put in Liquidambar styraciflua—Sweet Gum Arborvitae place. It is important that we adapt and learn how to use lesser Lagerstroemia indica—Crape Myrtle Podocarpus macrophyllus— Magnolia grandiflora—So. Magnolia quality water on our landscapes. The following suggestions are Podocarpus Melia azedarach—Texas Umbrella Rhaphiolepis indica—Hawthorn designed to help you manage your landscapes with the low Platanus racemosa—California Rosa woodsii—Woods Rose quality water high in salts. Sycamore Rosmarinus officinalis—Rosemary Quercus rubra—Red Oak Shepherdia argentea—Silver Quercus virginiana—Live Oak Buffaloberry Quercus emorui—Emery Oak Syringa x chinesnsis—Chinese Lilac Tilia cordata—Lileleaf Linden Syringa reculata—Japanese Lilac Ulmus parvifolia—Chinese Elm Syzygium paniculatum—Brush Cherry Viburnum nus—Spring Bouquet Shrubs Xylosma congestum—Shiny Xylosma Abelia grandiflora—Glossy Abelia Buxus microphylla—Japanese Boxwood Grasses and Ground Covers Callistemon citrinus—Bolebrush Agross palustris—Creeping Bentgrass Carissa grandiflora—Natal Plum Agross tenuis Bentgrass Cercocarpus—Mountain Mahogany Cynodon dactyon—Bermuda Cotoneaster glaucophyllus—Grayleaf Festuca arundinacea—Tall Fescue Cotoneaster Lolium perenne—Perennial Rye Cowania Mexicana stansfuriana— Lotus corniculatus—Bird’s foot Trefoil Cliffrose Puccinellia distans—Weeping Elaeagnus pungens—Silverthorn Alkaligrass Euonymus japonicus—Japanese Zoysia japonica—Zoysia Euonymus Fallugia paradoxa—Apache Plume Perennials Feijoa sellowiana—Pineapple Guava Aquilegia micrantha—Cliff Columbine Hersperaloe parviflora—Red Yucca Baileya mulradiata—Desert Marigold Hibiscus syraiacus—Rose of Sharon Gardenia hybrids—Gardenia Ilex cornuta—Chinese Holly Lantana—Lantana Juniperus chinensis—Chinese Juniper Lavandula angusfolia—Lavendar Lantana camara—Lantana Linum—Blue Flax Lavandula angusfolia—Lavender Leucophyllum frutescens—Texas Ranger E. Finale Grade—After the fertilizer has been added and These subsections are based on the preliminary results ob- incorporated 4 to 6 inches, the soil should be firmed by served at the Washington Fields research plot. Untreated rolling with a roller. The soil should be firm enough that water from the Virgin River has been used on a variety of when walked on it will leave 1/2 inch imprint. low growing shrubs, trees, grasses and vegetables. Several F. Watering—The should be moist down to at least a 16 methods of irrigation are being evaluated for use with the to 18 inch depth. This will allow the establishment turf untreated irrigation water. Over the last year, small shrubs without the continued wetting of the surface. Watering that have had water on the foliage from the sprinklers have after the grass is planted on a soil that has no shown very little growth or have been lost. Observations in- appreciable moisture for several years creates problems dicate that the following suggestions be followed when us- in the landscape. The single-most important factor in the ing untreated Virgin River water on landscape. successful rooting of newly installed turfgrass sod is adequate moisture in the soil before planting. G. Sodding—The land preparation should be same as it is for seeding. Sod should be installed as soon after harvest as possible, within 24 to 48 hours for greatest success. Don’t let it dry out. Even though it can still grow if dried out, the edges dry and weeds will grow where the edges have been stressed. Lay the sod squares/rectangles/rolls staggering the joints like you would laying bricks. Butt the edges of each piece together tightly. Do not overlap or leave a gap between them. H. Sod and Seed Rolling—Once in place, tamp or roll to ensure good contact between the sod or seed and the underlying soil. Soils and Soil Quality C. Replacing the Topsoil—If topsoil is to be added over Soil is the store house for all nutrients that plants require the subsoil, you must allow for 6-8 inches of depth after for growth. Therefore, the physical and chemical the soil has settled. This means that you are going to composition of the soil is of great importance if our have to add about 8 to 10 inches of topsoil over the horticulture endeavors are to be successful. Physical subsurface to stop interface problems from developing conditions can be changed by drainage and tillage and later on. Mixing a portion of the topsoil into the upper 2 to incorporation of organic matter. If plants are to achieve 3 inches of the subsoil avoids a distinct layering effect excellent growth, it is essential that the soil be in good between the top soil and subsoil Topsoil should not be physical condition. Soil must have a good texture and be distributed when the soil to be covered is very dry, wet or well prepared. Addition of a good organic matter is very important. Adding good organic matter is a must. frozen. No soil modification should be carried out that will Excellent soil consists of 5-10 percent of compost worked develop any layers. into a depth of 6 to 8 inches. D. Fertilization—Next step is add a complete fertilizer. A Southern Utah has another factor to consider in soil pound of fertilizer for every 100 square feet. After the quality. The chemical make-up of local soils is very high in application of the fertilizer work it into the top 4 to 6 salt. Boron (B), sodium (Na), sodium bicarbonate inches of soil. (NaHCO3) and gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) must be evaluated in the content of the soil to minimize the impact of the salt factor. In fact, in many areas the amount of gypsum, which normally would have little effect, is so high that the growth of plants is greatly reduced or non-existent. It has been observed that many grasses will show reduced growth and reduced seed germination. If you feel you are in an area where this is a problem, consult your county agent at 435-634-5706. A well prepared soil will account for 90 percent of your success in the future. A healthy plant is the best defense against attack or invasion of various pests. Steps in Turfgrass Establishment Soil Conditioning Best Management Practices The importance of the proper establishment of the landscape cannot be over stressed. The proper establishment of the turf  Clean and rough grade the area to be planted and remove and trees will mean the savings of money and a landscape that any debris from the location to be planted. Remove rocks will be one to be proud of for a long time. that are larger than a chicken egg. If turf is established properly the amount of water required  Tilling the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches will reduce soil during the lifetime of the lawn will be reduced greatly. It is compaction and allow air and water movement in the soil. recommended to sod lawns when using brackish water. A. Clean and Rough Grade—Remove all debris from the  If you plan to replace the top soil, it is important that you replace it with at least 8-10 inches of top soil. If top soil is location to be planted. Any rock larger than a chicken egg to be added, you should lay down 2-3 inches of new top should be removed. soil and rototill it to mix the top soil with some of the B. Deep Tillage—Due to the movement of heavy equipment subsoil. This will reduce layering of soil that can reduce air during construction and the rough grading of the area it is and water movement in the soil. Then place the remainder important to loosen the compacted soil that has developed. of the topsoil on top.  Irrigate to the depth of 16-18 inches.  Before bringing to final grade and planting, spread fertilizer and incorporate it to a depth of 4-6 inches. If turf is to be planted, roll the surface to firm it up. If rolled properly, the soil should be firm enough to leave a 1/2-inch depression when stepped upon.

Irrigation Importance of a good established root system. After Proper irrigation is essential for successful growth of plants in the establishment of the plants it is important that when the St. George area. Quality of the water is also important, so irrigation occurs that the moisture reach a depth of 6 to 8 one needs to understand the importance of the quality of inches for turf. Once a month, shrubs and trees should be water that is going to be used. Poor quality irrigation water irrigated for an extended period of time. It is also and over watering are two of the main reasons landscapes important that the last irrigation in the fall should be an fail. When we irrigate, all of the air is forced out of the soil. extended period of time to allow for the soil to become When this occurs, the roots no longer have the air they need moist to greater depth. to remain healthy and grow. So the longer the period between irrigation, the better the environment for root growth and health. Therefore, watering less frequently and for longer periods will enable the roots to grow to a greater depth which will result in healthy plants.  If cycling irrigation time, plants should only be allowed to dry only the once for that irrigation period Irrigation when the irrigation is turned off. This means that the rotation of the sprinklers must be fast enough that the Best Management Practices surface of the plants remains moist during the entire sprinkling cycle.  Make sure that your sprinklers don’t mist, but have the correct pressure to water correctly.  The best method of irrigation is a drip or trickle system that would not put water on the foliage.  If the winter months have been dry, the first irrigation in  If sprinklers must be used, a low profile head should be the spring should exceed the normal cycle to allow the utilized in order to keep as much water off the foliage as salts to leach out of the root zone. possible.  Water as infrequently as possible.  When watering trees, water deeply. If the tree is planted in the lawn, give it an extended watering of 4-6  When possible, water during the coolest and calmest hours, if possible, once a month. period of the 24-hour day. The best time to water is during early morning before sunrise if there is no air movement or just slight air movement.